In the previous episode of Netflix’s Mindhunter, Holden and Bill went to Atlanta to help with a kidnapping case but were ultimately turned away. In Mindhunter Season 2 Episode 5, Holden and Bill interviewed Charles Manson and Tex Watson about the Manson Family murders.
Kemper Again
Since Ed Kemper was in the same prison as Charles Manson, Holden wanted to interview Kemper again. Bill was concerned after Holden’s panic attack. When Ted learned that the Atlanta authorities dismissed them, he held Bill responsible for not interfering. Holden insisted that he was fine.
Holden asked Kemper about revisiting the crime scenes. Kemper explained that helped him relive the murders, similar to keeping trophies. He caught on that Holden was asking to help with another case that was stumping him. At the end of the episode, Holden received a call from Barney. There was another victim in Atlanta.
Charles Manson and Tex Watson
When Holden and Bill went to see Charles Manson, they asked him about his Family. Manson insisted that he hadn’t orchestrated the murders. He claimed that the district attorney made up the race war doctrine. He got under Bill’s skin when he talked about his “children”. It became clear that they needed to speak with Tex Watson.
Tex spoke calmly about the murders, taking full responsibility for his actions. He refuted Manson’s claim that the race war aspect was made up. He claimed that Manson’s order to “kill them all” was the reason he didn’t let Sharon Tate live. Back at the BSU, Dr. Carr offered some insight into Tex and Manson. Tex had replaced Manson’s belief system with religion. Manson had chosen his family members carefully. They were susceptible to his doctrine. He was most concerned with keeping his authority over his family, or at least having that appearance. This was highlighted when Manson asked for Holden’s sunglasses but told the guards that he stole them.
Benchmarks
Brian would not be facing charges for his involvement with the toddler’s death. However, he must undergo psychiatric analysis and meet benchmarks. His social worker, Ms. Leland, inspected the Tench home, and Bill likened it to walking a crime scene.
Bill arrived at the meeting with the psychiatric evaluator late. He explained his job and that he was interviewing Charles Manson. The idea fascinated Dr. Moritz.
Dukes
Wendy and Kay had sex instead of going to the movies. Afterwards, Wendy asked Kay about her son. When Kay explained that she took him to minor league baseball games, Wendy commented that she might enjoy going too. Kay didn’t introduce people she dated to her son.
Ted was hosting an event at his home where many Bureau agents and directors would attend. Bill, Holden, and Wendy all came alone. Bill told stories about the murderers they interviewed and left Holden to continue them. Ted introduced Wendy to Warren, who kept hitting on her despite her repeatedly saying no. She escaped outside and spoke with Bill. He told her about what was going on with Brian.
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